Barcelona stage comeback to beat Real Sociedad

The Catalonian side had been second best on the first half, offering little attacking threat.

Real Sociedad were organised and compact, and they took the lead from a set-piece in the 12th minute when centre-back Aritz Elustondo smashed a close range shot in off the post after Barcelona failed to deal with a free-kick.

 

15 September 2018

Gerard Pique had Barcelona's best chance of the first period, as he climbed highest to head a corner a few inches wide after 36 minutes.

There were two VAR reviews near the end of the first half, both for potential Barcelona penalties. Pique was again involved as he appeared to be have his shirt pulled, but on closer inspection it transpired that he simply tripped over.

The second came when Luis Suarez vehemently appealed for handball to be given against Moreno, but the VAR review showed that he avoided contact by a matter of inches.

Half-time came, and Sociedad went in ahead. Lionel Messi was virtually anonymous in the match, and during the first half in particular made almost no impact on proceedings.

 

15 September 2018

Philippe Countinho's introduction at the break for Nelson Semedo gave Barcelona much more impetus in the second half, and they started well.

Despite this, it was Real Sociedad that had two fantastic chances to go ahead, with Ter Stegen saving well on both occasions.

The home side would come to regret these chances moments later, as Luis Suarez stabbed home from a goalmouth scramble.

 

15 September 2018

Just three minutes later, Ousmane Dembele scored a similar goal to put his team ahead.

 

15 September 2018

Real Sociedad had the chance to level the match through Juanmi, but the forward could only put his header wide of the post.

Barcelona are top of La Liga with four wins from four league matches, while this defeat leaves Real Sociedad in 10th.